WINTER DRIVING RETURNS

Minnesota Department of Transportation Brainerd Lakes Area Maintenance Supervisor Tom Rieck said the new snow over the weekend is okay with him because "this is what we do, this is what we get ready for all year, keeping Minnesota roads clear and driveable." Rieck said his 'plowjockeys' are the best in the business and they don't hear that often enough. But Rieck said the rest of us can help. He said a lot of people get impatient when they're following a snowplow. When workers are clearing a roadway, they typically travel at 25 mph, and even slower if sanding or salting. Higher speeds will toss the chemical over the road and into the ditch. Rieck also said too many drivers follow the plows too close and take chances they shouldn't. He said the best advice he could give would be to "don't crowd the plow. Stay back and stay alive."